Farmers need to lay the groundwork for funding bids
Defra’s announcement of £40 million of new grant funding is a valuable, though challenging, opportunity for farmers.
With Brexit on the horizon, many farm businesses want to increase productivity, efficiency and add value to the food they produce. The release of funding through the Countryside Productivity Scheme could make a big difference to their future so it’s very important that farmers check suitability and plan their projects carefully to make the most of the help that’s now available.
The two separate funding streams, Improving Farm Productivity and Adding Value to Agri-food, can both support projects with 40 per cent of the eligible project costs.
Both funds have set rules and priorities making it essential to read Defra’s detailed guidance. For example, if you are thinking about a grain processing or storage scheme you have to apply as a cooperative or group of farmers not as an individual.
Equally, because the funding is competitive, a proposal has to match Defra’s criteria in as many ways as possible.
Funding will not be approved if the scheme has already been started. If you need to press on with your project, then these grants may not be for you.
Here are some practical tips on what to look out for when compiling a compelling case:
• It may be obvious, but make sure your business is eligible. The funds have different criteria and nuances.
• Remember that you are in a competition. You may love your idea and think it can’t fail, but the funding is competitive and those making the decision will need to support the best applications. Make sure your proposal matches Defra’s stated priorities as closely as possible.
• Get approvals in place. It sounds simple but issues such as planning can hold back a project for months. If you don’t have the relevant permissions then the bid is likely to get turned down before it has even been assessed.
• It takes longer than you think. For example, the process of getting competitive quotations that conform to the funding requirements takes time. Make sure you allow for this and don’t rush these steps as you will end up with the project being sent back for additional information.
For those farmers keen to share in the latest grant funding it’s the start of a challenging process, but a successful bid will make a big difference to their future business.
Charles Skelton, food and farming consultant for Savills in the Midlands.
